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Island Girl

Okay, for anyone who’s curious about where I’ll be finding me next: think ocean and mountains and vineyards. Think temperate climate, totem poles, Chinatown, orca whales, and people who say please a lot. Come the morning of May 1st, I’ll be opening my eyes on beautiful Vancouver Island. Not exotic or exciting enough? May I remind you that I have never once set foot on Vancouver Island, and that’s as exciting as I’m prepared to be at the moment.

While many locales were up for grabs, we decided an immigration to yet another foreign country was beyond our energy expenditure capacity—code phrase for too bloody lazy. We have friends and work contacts there, and I hear that English is spoken in all the respectable hair salons.

For those who might not know a lot about Canada (Americans, I’m looking at you), perhaps describing Victoria as a mini San Francisco or Seattle with fewer guns and higher taxes will suffice, with apologies to my new home if the comparison is off. Of course, San Francisco, Seattle, and my bucket list restaurant—The French Laundry in the California vineyards—are just around the corner, and I’ll be plotting a plan for all 3 destinations as soon as I unpack.

Even before we moved to France, Neil and I talked about finding ourselves in what is apparently Canada’s most romantic and smartest city. In fact, it’s the only place in Canada we considered. Even though I have loved this French Foreign Legion tour of duty, I’m quite jazzed to return to the homeland, especially to the sea. Already, the encouragement we’re receiving from the locals reminds me that the red maple leaf on the Canadian flag could easily be replaced with a jolly red heart.

It’s a quaint city, full of gorgeous gardens; culturally diverse with friendly folks who are happy to welcome visitors. There’s a lot going on for children and youth and I’m hoping to put my passion for our young ones to use in the community. That or beg for a job as a cashier at Munro’s, “Canada’s most magnificent bookstore”. We shall see.

Now it’s no Newfoundland, this ‘other’ Rock, but the shovel and scraper free winters and year round golfing (Neil made me say that) will just have to do. I’ll have to hike world famous trails, trudge through the aisles of Shopper’s Drug Mart, look at the Pacific Ocean everyday, sample all the local wines, and eat locally grown and Asian inspired food on a regular basis, but I’ll manage somehow.

Anyway, here’s the thing: no matter where we go, joy awaits. Well, first, packing, Swiss exodus paperwork, Canada re-entry paperwork, a marathon Vevey-Geneva-London-Vancouver-Victoria travel plan, 2 days in a hotel then an empty apartment for 6-8 weeks while waiting for our possessions to arrive, integrating into a new town, finding a new career, then joy.

Oh, now I’m just kidding. One thing I’ve learned from my Big French Adventure is that joy can be found in almost everything, especially the challenging things in life, as long as you resolve to find it. I’m trying to see it everywhere I look—even in that mess of clothes on the floor beside that man’s side of the bed. Why just the other day I gleefully exclaimed, “Neil, if you don’t pick up this pile of joy in the next 10 minutes…”

Fantastic, Bobbi! Victoria is gorgeous. I suggest having tea at The Empress Hotel. I’m sure you and Neil will love it there. I think you’ll also enjoy visiting the surrounding Gulf Islands. We used to own a home on Gabriola Island when we lived in Vancouver and it was a very peaceful getaway from the big city. All the Best with your transition and I look forward to hearing about this next adventure.

The mystery destination has been revealed! Congratulations on your choice where Miracle Whip abounds in ALL the grocery stores not to mention being able to sing the national anthem in English. We’ll look forward to following your adventures as time unfolds.

WONDERFUL! My wife was born in Victoria. We love it and your plans remind me we haven’t been there is some time, preferring Nice during the holidays to Los Angeles. All the very best to you and your poor husband.
My clothes are always on the floor by my side of the bed.
How else would I find them?

Welcome back to Gods country ,Bobbi and Neil. I have visited Victoria several times , you will love it as I am sure it will love you. I enjoy your blog so much I really don’t care where it is coming from. Please continue.
Safe home.

I’m excited for you. It may not seem foreign enough for an adventurer because they speak the same language as you do, but it’s a beautiful place with so much to explore in the region. I’ve only made it that far once, but I remember the only thing that made my husband and me finally end our exploration of the rocky coast was the tide coming in high and fast. I’d love to visit it again.

Welcome home Bobbi and Neil. My son and daughter-in-law went for interviews for academic positions at U Vic awhile back and they loved Victoria. Sadly they did not get the jobs but are now happily ensconced in academia here at home in Toronto. At least they had free trip to a beautiful place and I happily now have an empty nest. Bon voyage.

Reminds me of the old Kinks lyric: I was born, lucky me, in the land that I love…Lucky you. If I know anything about Canada (speaking as an American) I know that the international border between Seattle and Victoria is a map-maker’s figment. You’ll fit right in with the literatti on the Left Coast.

Island of my birth! Genteel tea shops, fantastic gardens, book shops, sea views, and just a short drive away, Cathedral Grove – the biggest trees I’ve ever seen in my life. Scenery like The Rock, but warmer. Summer might last 3 months there, instead of the one you got in Nfld. Stop by if you pass through TO on your way.

Everything you do and experience in life is for a reason. Being away for two years and going through what the two of you have – both good and not so good – has enriched you and you will appreciate your new home so much more than if you had gone straight there from Halifax. The thought of being able to browse through Shoppers Drugmart fills me with jealousy….as well as all the other wonderful things that lay ahead. We “Finders” are with you all the way and wish you both the very best.

Early in the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy asks:” Oh please, Professor, why can’t we go with you and see all the Crowned Heads of Europe? ” Later she says: “…f I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again, I won’t look any further than my own backyard; because if it isn’t there, I never really lost it to begin with.” While that last line continues to confuse me and suggests Dorothy was still showing post-concussion symptoms, the intent comes through. Click those heels, because there’s no place like home( defined broadly.)

Hi There, Visited Vancover Island a few years ago, it’s beauty is breathtaking. Welcome back to Canada, & be assured that we will be along for the ride. Actually, looking back over the past couple of years, we’ve enjoyed every minute of your JOY RIDE, Take Care, CHEERS

Wow! Welcome to the West Coast! You’ll be arriving at a lovely time of year, and your skills will be much needed in the health care world. I was born in Victoria, lived near Seattle for the past 13 years, and just moved to Salt Spring Island last July. If you want any information from an “insider”, do let me know! I hope you quickly feel at home.

West Coast, in Canada, an ocean you can see and touch, wine country close by —- and you don’t need to take any more French lessons! You, my dear, are about to arrive in your next paradise. With mayo and sour cream available in every grocery!!

OMG – we’re almost practically neighbors! I’m in Seattle but LOVE Vancouver Island! Victoria is one of my favorite places and there are so many lovely nooks and crannies to explore. The Gulf Islands are beautiful, too.

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